see also: in May 2008:   Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Announces State of the Agency   CBP Celebrates Significant Occasions at Advanced Training Center in West Virginia   CBP to Issue New Frequent Traveler Cards   Ecstasy and Methamphetamine Seized at Ambassador Bridge   CBP Races to Secure NASCAR’s Monster Mile   CBP Air and Marine Agents Interdict Migrants in Florida at the Start of Memorial Day Weekend ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   U.S. Border Patrol

contacts for this news release

Laredo, Texas – Border Patrol agents from the Laredo North station disrupted a human smuggling attempt and rescued 51 people today.

At about 2:30 a.m, agents working at the Border Patrol checkpoint north of Laredo conducted an immigration inspection of the driver of a tractor trailer. As an agent talked to the driver a Border Patrol canine alerted on the trailer, indicating the presence of hidden contraband or people.

Agents opened the sealed trailer and found 51 people sitting atop and among crates of avocados. They were all identified as illegal aliens from Mexico. The group included three children, ages 5, 10 and 16. The temperature inside the refrigerated trailer was 57 degrees.

The driver was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.